5 Sustainable Destinations You Should Visit In 2021

What does sustainable travel mean to you?

Is it staycations to avoid the carbon footprint of a flight or perhaps to travel globally but using more sustainable forms of transport whether they use less fuel or because they are powered through renewable energy sources?

The truth is the word sustainable means different things to different people depending on their attitudes, their situation and or course their outlook on life and the world in general.

Some people will say that all forms of travelling around the world are bad and we should holiday in our own countries however whilst on the one hand that seems sensible, in truth, there are so many benefits of tourism that at times go unseen:

1.     Supporting local community developments

2.     Protecting Wildlife

3.     Employment

4.     Sharing the wealth

5.     Knowledge is power – how can we protect what we don’t know

6.     A global community is one far more likely to work together that 195 independent countries with no knowledge or understanding of their global neighbours

In our ever-developing world, we have cities that are aiming to become carbon neutral, countries, such as Iceland, that are using sustainable geothermal natural resources to produce both electricity for the nation along with heat for the homes and businesses alike. Other countries have a different view on what sustainability means to them as their focus is on delivering sustainable nature and wildlife tourism which in turn protects the animals, the environment and the people that live thereby providing jobs and therefore feeds families and educates them about the world they live in and why it should be protected not just used as a tool for survival as that will only ever end up one way.

Global warming and sustainability have become key buzz words over the last few years and we hear them on a regular basis but what do they actually mean in practice and what can you do when you travel to play your part?

This is a key question, one people are now asking on a more and more regular basis, so does it mean I should no longer fly? If so, how should I travel or should I not travel at all? What about if I offset my carbon footprint when I fly? The list of questions goes on however in my opinion (as you would probably expect from a travel company) I believe travel is vital to the world not only from the way it supports economies around the globe but also because it helps humans learn about each other our difficult cultures and different environments. Tourism also protects our vital wildlife as without it animals become valued as commodities to buy and sell, dead or alive not the beautiful creatures they are and vital to supporting the eco-system they inhabit.

Thankfully many countries around the world have stepped up their efforts to protect their natural environments along with their local history to promote responsible, ethical and educational tourism as the more we all know about each other, our cultures and our environments the better we can protect them all for now and for future generations

Thankfully the list of destination’s involved in projects to become more sustainable is growing however for today I have picked my top 5 for 2021:

1.     Costa Rica

Located in Central America with coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a tropical country and home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity, the greatest density of species in the world.

Having disbanded their army in 1948 Costa Rica spends most of its GDP on education, healthcare and supporting its natural environments Costa Rica is a model of what can be achieved when resources are directed at supporting and improving the environment in which we live At the forefront of eco-tourism around 25% of the country is made up of national parks and reserves protected against logging and deforestation for other reasons and currently uses around 95% renewable energy to power the country rather than fossil fuels or other unsustainable natural resources and is working towards becoming the worlds first carbon-neutral economy which will be a mighty impressive statement to the world.

From hikes through the rainforest to spot jaguars and toucans or mangrove swamp tours to spend time with crocodiles or caiman to seeing the majestic Humpback whales on their annual migration then team that up with amazing diving, wonderful snorkelling opportunities and even surfing Costa Rica is must-see for any eco-conscious tourist.

2.     Slovenia

Part of the former Yugoslavia Slovenia is a small country filled with chocolate box scenery such as incredible mountain ranges and beautiful villages set amongst the amazing countryside. The capital city, Ljubljana, is one of Europe’s most beautiful with amazing architecture and is considered to be a model for urban sustainable development thanks into the centre becoming car-free which has bought with it a with a lively atmosphere and a great mix of bars, restaurants, local food stalls and festivals just what is required to keep even the most restless person occupied.

Slovenia is a sustainable outdoor destination with incredible options to experience the natural world. Although a small country there are beautiful mountains ranges, a wide range of crystal clear lakes perfect for canoeing or indeed fast-flowing rivers for exhilarating white water rafting experiences. For the really adventurous explore some of the extensive cave networks throughout the country of check out canyoning to get the adrenaline flowing.

All in all, if you enjoying outdoor activities Slovenia is a place you must visit and when the time comes to refuel you’ll no doubt enjoy that too!!

3.     New Zealand

With ambitious plans to have every tourism business full aligned to a 12 step sustainability plan by 2025 New Zealand is taking the mantle in driving towards a sustainable future including being net zero carbon within this timeframe and if possible entirely fossil fuel free.

When we talk of Sustainability we normally think of the environment however New Zealand has also committed to Community Sustainability which involves business providing quality employment for the community they are based in with sustainable and environmentally supply chains which is considered vital because if the community have a real, stake in what is happening and directly benefit from tourism then they will protect and value what they have which in turn is good for both the natural environment and people at the same time.

From spectacular mountain ranges to dramatic Fjords, golden sandy beaches and a truly laid back culture New Zealand is a destination that truly gets under your skin and one you will never tire of.

4.     Finland

Sustainable travel is big in Finland, the happiest country in the world!

Finnish life is centred around the pristine natural environment and they guard it closely just as it should be and they have created the sustainable Finland pledge to encourage all that visit to join them in this goal:

On my journey I pledge to be like a Finn,
and by this, I mean slowing down from within.

The wilderness lets me relax and connect,
I promise to treat it with the utmost respect.

Its forests and lakes should remain plastic-free,
so I will not leave any rubbish behind me.

The world-class tap water shall quench my thirst,
because in my choices the climate comes first.

In Finland it’s our equal right to roam free.
This right should be enjoyed responsibly.

The berries and mushrooms are there to be eaten,
but I’ll stick to the paths that are already beaten.

Long before humans the wildlife’s been there,
so I won’t set up camp just anywhere.

I shall also respect the lives of locals,
and will be considerate with cameras or loud vocals.

I know Finns can seem just a little reserved,
but with this pledge their trust will surely be earned.

Finland is an incredibly welcoming country and tourists are strongly encouraged to explore with the lightest ecological footprint as possible and therefore travel by train rather than car is recommended and where you can by foot, by bike or of course skis during the winter months!!

Almost 80% of Finland is forest which means the country benefits from some of the cleanest air and lakes in the world providing plenty of opportunity for awesome outdoor adventures all year round from the whole gambit of winter sports through to canoes, kayak, paddle boarding on crystal clear waters in the summer.

From the moment you arrive in Helsinki, you may not be aware but your green journey has already started all the trains and trams runs on renewable electricity generated by wind and water power, some achievement for a city of its size. Helsinki has further committed to being entirely carbon neutral by 2035 a path a large number of other world capitals should be aiming to emulate.

Respect, Recycle, Reuse this is the Finnish way and if you feel the need hug a tree or two along the way in practice for the world tree-hugging championship being held in Levi, northern Lapland later this summer!!

5.     Canada

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada is an incredibly diverse destination and a world leader in sustainable travel. Without doubt, the best way to get around is via train as not only do you get to see the beautiful scenery the train keeps your carbon footprint in check too along with having the added benefit of being quicker and more comfortable than driving.

Canada is a wonder for nature lovers with rugged coastline, crystal clear lakes, dense forest and plenty of national parks to explore all year round.

From Nova Scotia on the Atlantic coast right the way through to Vancouver in British Columbia, the greenest province in the whole of Canada and Toronto, Calgary, Banff and Jasper in between to name just a few there is a whole stack of sustainable travel adventures to be had in this amazing giant of a country. When you are looking for animal encounters choose from Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba or the Grizzly and Black Bears in Banff and across the Rockies or Killer Whales around Vancouver Island there are so many natural wonders to see.

Whatever your style of holiday there will be an option for you in Canada from hiking, rafting, canoeing right the way through to amazing eco-lodges for that wildlife adventure in the great outdoors with just a little extra comfort included!!

No matter which you choose or if it is a different destination altogether after a year of lockdown and multiple hours spent on Zoom when the time comes to venture back into the real world get in touch and let’s build your next awesome sustainable adventure together.